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Careers Blog

This page is updated with any relevant career related opportunities, news and events that may be of interest. We are keen to pass on details of these to our students as we are made aware of them and make every effort to ensure that the information comes from a reputable source, however the decision to pursue any of these opportunities and the responsibility for checking that they have appropriate health and safety checks and safeguarding in place rests with parents and carers.

SACS Careers Bulletins 2024-2025 (see archive for previous editions)

SACS Careers Bulletin 1 (Sept. 2024)

CCCU Healthcare Applications and Interviews Prep

Do you have a young person applying for a healthcare course at CCCU from September 2025? Do you want some tips and advice on the best way to support them in their application and prepare them for interview? Then why not log onto CCCU's information session on the best way to support students preparing for their application and getting ready for interview. The session is aimed at staff in schools and colleges but could be useful to parents as well. The session takes place:

Tuesday 8th October 2024 3.30-4.30pm via Microsoft Teams

Click here for more information.

CCCU Technology Exploration Session

Wednesday 2nd October 2024 saw a group of our 6th form Computing Students head to CCCU's Creative Innovation with Mr Barry for an exciting day of Technology Exploration. Students got to try out VR headsets and learnt about the different technology related courses on offer at CCCU. We would like to thank the East Kent Schools Together Team for organising the day.

CCCU More Than One Direction

Monday 20th September 2024 saw a group of year 8 students take part in a workshop with the Canterbury Christ Church University Outreach Team. The workshop was called More Than One Direction and saw students create their character, choose their GCSEs, A Levels, degree pathway and whilst at university choose a part time job and which student society to be a part of. Students enjoyed creating their character and interacting with the CCCU Student Ambassadors learning more about life at university and how it differs to school.

What Next? Magazine

What Next? magazine features the latest information for parents, students and teachers about post-school options. Click on the image below to read the latest issue or pick up your free copy at What Career & What University Live.

What Career & What University Live 2024

Friday 15th November 2024 0930-1500

Saturday 16th November 2024 1000-1600

National Hall, Olympia London, Hammersmith Way, W14 8UX

Considering your post-school or college choices? If you or someone you know is aged 15 to 19 and wants to discover the best university or apprenticeship options, this is a truly unmissable event! Tickets are completely free and available now, book yours today for fast-entry access to discover the best school leaver options, all under one roof.

Event Highlights include:

Careers Advice Lounge
Advice for Parents
US University Zone
CV Clinic
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Zone
Creative Hub
Future Skills Workshop
STEM Hub

Click here to book your free tickets.

Choices Magazine

Click on the image below to download the latest copy of Choices Magazine - the Parent & Carer Guide to Apprenticeship and Technical Education.

Apprenticeships and T Levels

Do you want to know more about apprenticeships and T Levels. ASK Apprenticeships have the following webinars aimed at students, parents, carers and careers professionals to explain more. To register for any of them click here.

Understanding Apprenticeship - Thursday 17th October 2024 3.30-4.30pm. Join us for a more detailed look at apprenticeship - exactly how they are structured, where you find them and who delivers them.
Helping Students to be 'Application Ready' - Thursday 21st November 2024 3.30-4pm. Join us to understand how you can help aspiring apprentices to be 'application ready' so that as soon as they see a position they are interested in, they feel equipped to apply quickly.
Using the Levels of Apprenticeship to Progress your Career - Monday 9th December 2024 3.30-4pm. Discuss how you can advance your career using the different levels of apprenticeship. We will be joined by apprentices who will share their career journeys and how apprenticeships have help them to progress.
How to Search and Apply for Apprenticeships - Thursday 23rd January 2025 3.30-4pm. A step-by-step guide to the different vacancy platforms for apprenticeship, including Find an Apprenticeship, and tips for supporting your students/child during the application process.
Exploring the Range of Apprenticeship - Monday 10th February 2025 3.30-4pm. With more than 700 apprenticeship standards there is an apprenticeship for almost every job role out there! Join us to hear about some of the known and lesser-known apprenticeship job roles, the different industries and employers offering positions and how you can explore which apprenticeship could be right for you.
Using Find an Apprenticeship to Search and Apply - Thursday 27th February 2025 3.30-4pm. Find an Apprenticeship is a great starting point for anyone considering applying for an apprenticeship. The webinar will explore the new features on the side including an enhanced application portal.
How to Impress in the Apprenticeship Application Process - Thursday 20th March 2025 3.30-4pm. Hear from employers and apprentices sharing advice on the best ways to impress in the recruitment process.
Preparing for Apprenticeship Assessment Centres - Thursday 24th April 2025 3.30-4pm. Join us to hear directly from employers about how they work, what they're really looking for and their advice on how best to prepare.
Apprenticeship for Students with Additional Needs - Monday 19th May 2025 3.30-4pm. Join us to hear about the flexibilities that can be offered and the support apprentices will receive.
How Students Can Use the Summer to Start their Apprenticeship Research - Thursday 19th June 2025 3.30-4pm. Join us to hear from experts explaining how to help students to get ready for when vacancies open up in the autumn.
Finished Year 11 or Year 13 and Want to Find an Apprenticeship? - Monday 7th July 2025 3.30-4pm. Join us to find out how to to start finding an apprenticeship. You haven't left it too late!

Discover! Creative Careers Online Parents' Evening

Tuesday 1st October 2024

6.30-7.30pm

Be sure to share our Discover! Creative Careers Webinar with your students' parents, carers and guardians, offering them the chance to explore all the exciting opportunities available this year.

Click here for more information.

UCA Open Days

University of Creative Arts have the following Open Days coming up:

28th September 2024 9.30am-3pm - click here for more information.
19th October 2024 9.30am-3pm - click here for more information.

Click here to launch the Virtual Open Day.

Click here to access UCA's webinars:

Introduction to UCA and Creative Careers 25th September 2024 at 4pm.
UCA Live: Portfolio Advice and Applying to University 23th October 2024 at 4pm.
UCA Live: How to write a Personal Statement for a Creative Degree 27th November 2024 at 4pm.
UCA Live: Supporting Students at University - Information for Parents & Guardians 11th December 2024 at 4pm.
UCA Live: Making an Outstanding Portfolio & Interview Advice 15th January 2025 at 4pm.
UCA Live: How to Apply to Accommodation 12th February 2025 at 4pm.
UCA Live: Ask us Anything! 16th April 2025 at 4pm
UCA Live: Demystifying student finance & budgeting 23rd April 2025 at 4pm
UCA Live: Student Support, Wellbeing & Life on Campus on 21st May 2025 at 4pm
UCA Live: Results Day & Getting Ready for University on 23rd July 2025 at 4pm
UCA Live: Clearing 7th August 2025 at 4pm
UCA Live: Enrolment - Everything you need to know 10th September 2025 at 4pm

UKC Open Days

University of Kent have the following Open Days coming up:

Canterbury Campus: 5th October 2024 10am-3pm - click here for more information and to book a space.
Medway Campus: 19th October 2024 11am-1pm - click here for more information and to book a space.
Canterbury Campus: 16th November 2024 10am-3pm - click here for more information and to book a space.

CCCU Open Days

Canterbury Christ Church University have the following Open Days coming up:

Canterbury Campus: 13th October 2024 9.15am-3pm - click here for more information and to book a space.
Medway Campus: 19th October 2024 10am-2pm - click here for more information and to book a space.
Canterbury Campus: 16th November 2024 9.15am-3pm - click here for more information and to book a space.

Dig Data Free Virtual Work Experience with Meta

Digdata is thrilled to announce free virtual work experience events with Meta for your students this October, designed to develop key employability skills such as problem solving, data literacy, storytelling, and presentation. Hosted on Microsoft Teams, these sessions take place outside of school hours, making them easily accessible. Students will enjoy:

a 45-minute briefing with the Meta team
The opportunity to complete a career challenge at their own pace
Certification upon completion

These events provide valuable insights into emerging careers and help students build skills that will enhance their future education and employment choices.

First Step (Years 7, 8 & 9): Making WhatsApp Even More Awesome for Everyone

Tuesday 15th October at 4.30pm for 45 minutes (on MS Teams)

Click here for more details.

Click here to register.

Next Step (Years 10, 11, 12 & 13): Join Forces with Instagram and Gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson to Launch Game-Changing Trainers

Wednesday 16th October at 5pm for 45 minutes (on MS Teams)

Click here for more details.

Click here to register.

Years 12 & 13 Explore your Future

Friday 25th October 2024 10am - 2pm

Wednesday 7th May 2025 10am - 2pm

Explore your Future aims to connect students' with future career pathways based on their courses. The day involves hands on workshops, Q&A and student opportunity networking. Students can move around the campus freely following their own timetable and attend the sessions of interest to them. Click here to reserve your space.

Film Industry Training in Ashford

Screen Ashford has been organised by Screen South, Ashford Borough Council and Borderpoint Films to help entice future talent into the film industry. Click here for more information.

Future Doctors Virtual Medical Society Programme

Are your Year 9-12 students interested in a career in Medicine or healthcare? Encourage them to join the FREE Future Doctors Virtual Medical Society programme! (NB please see below for application restrictions). (I've shared this before but they've confirmed with me that they're recruiting up till Sept and does sound like an amazing opportunity)

This innovative programme offers:
⚕ Interactive Sessions: Fun, inspiring sessions on medicine, health, and science.
⚕ Real-World Experience: Online sessions led by NHS clinicians and medical students.
⚕ Curriculum Integration: Topics like Heart, Lung and Blood, Neuroscience, and more for Year 9-11, enriching their GCSE science curriculum.
⚕ Application Prep: Year 12 students get insights on choosing medical schools, UCAT preparation, work experience, and interview techniques.

The programme includes both an in-person launch and graduation event.

Students will also have the chance to join an online community and learn directly from doctors!

Don’t let your students miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

More information here: https://lnkd.in/eYqJ3Pyk

NB. How do I sign up?

We want to encourage aspiring doctors from all backgrounds to seriously consider medicine as a career. We are committed to widening access to medical degrees and have ambitious targets to recruit students from Kent, Medway and further afield, who have the talent and aspiration to study medicine, and are from under-represented groups or disadvantaged backgrounds.

For this reason, this programme is aimed at Year 9, 10, 11 and 12s from non-selective schools in Kent and Medway. We will consider applications from students who are from selective schools if there are any vacancies.

Don’t miss the opportunity to apply to the Virtual Medical Society Future Doctors Programme. We will be accepting students onto the programme in September ahead of the start date. Applications are now open!

APPLY HERE

The Parents' Guide to University 2024-2025

Click on the below image to download your free guide.

NHS Apprenticeship opportunity

Kent & Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) are looking for a Content Creator Apprentice. Click here for more information.

Future Doctors: Virtual Medical Society

Are you a student currently in Years 8-11 with an interest in medicine? Applications are now open for the Future Doctors: Virtual Medical Society programme starting in September!

If you're looking to explore a career in medicine, find out more about our Virtual Medical Society open for students in Kent and Medway in Years 9-12. We will kick off the programme with a fun, interactive activity day at the Verena Holmes campus, followed by virtual sessions working closely with a local doctor. This is a fantastic chance to gain insight into the medical field, enhance your knowledge, and prepare for your future studies. Please note priority is given to local students from non-selective schools.

Click here for more information.

Kent Choices Apprenticeship Webinar

Kent Choices recently held a webinar for parents and carers across Kent looking at apprenticeships, what they are, how they work and how you can support young people in looking and applying for them. Click here for the video.

Exam Stress Podcast

Dr Maryhan Baker presents a podcast on exam stress.

Whether they are struggling with motivation or feeling overwhelmed with stress, understanding some basic principles can make a huge difference.

👉🏽Here are the highlights:

(01:40) Revision should be a time our children refresh knowledge
(03:00) Our role as parents
(4:00) Practical support
(10:00) Reasons your child may lack motivation
(19:20) Self-care, especially for highly driven children

Listen 🎧in for my strategies to support your child here.

Pfizer Apprenticeship Programme

Pfizer Apprenticeship Program

Pfizer is proud to support the National Apprenticeship Programme.

Having an apprenticeship at Pfizer means doing work that helps millions of people across the world benefit from life-changing treatment. It means working for a company that believes in equity, excellence and protecting your work-life balance. And it means working with colleagues who take your ideas seriously and support your learning and development.
If you want an apprenticeship that matters, you’ll find it at Pfizer.

Why we think apprenticeships are so important

You’re the future. Your ambition, talents, ideas and unique way of looking at the world will help us drive innovation in every part of our business.
We need people with a hugely diverse range of talents.

Our apprenticeship scheme, run in partnership with Cogent Skills, offers the best of both worlds. You’ll work with world-leaders in your field, from researchers to business gurus. You’ll study towards a nationally recognised academic or professional qualification. And, you’ll be earning a highly competitive salary.

Click here for more information.

Work Experience for 6th Form with Concorde International

Concorde International, based in Canterbury, are currently recruiting students in years 12 and 13 for the summer work experience programme. Concorde welcomes students from around the world who come to the UK to improve their English skills and experience British culture first hand. This would be ideal for students currently studying languages or who are interested in a career in the travel or education sectors. For more information email info@concorde-int.com.

NHS Finance Insights Placement Scheme

The NHS Finance Insights placement scheme offers paid work experience in NHS organisations throughout England to individuals aged 18 and above, who do not plan to attend university and come from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The scheme aims to attract diverse talent from local communities served by the NHS into the finance sector. It provides a 12-month experience in an entry-level (band 2) finance role, allowing candidates to develop new skills and gain on-the-job work experience. Upon completion of the placement, each candidate should feel well-prepared to apply for NHS opportunities, including apprenticeships or other entry-level roles, and be confident in transitioning to professional working environments.

Click here for more information.

NHS Volunteer to Career (for those aged 17 years +)

St. John's Ambulance The Cadet Programme

Ever thought about a career in the NHS or Healthcare sector? Want to get a head start or see if it is the right career for you? Why not join the NHS Cadets Programme:

Click here for the NHS Cadets Advanced Programme (16-18) - Dover Kent

Click here for the NHS Cadets Foundation Programme (14-16) Ashford Kent

Click here to see the latest vacancies for apprenticeships following year 11 and year 13 both nationwide but you can also search for vacancies at their Rochester site.

CareersSense from

Only 34% of young people in education think they understand the skills employers are looking for and with support from Career Sense we believe we can help change that.

CareerSense offers Free programmes and tools to help make the 'education to career transition' as easy as possible, supporting students in unlocking their full potential. Click here to access the website.

Speakers for Schools

Speakers for Schools are a UK-wide youth charity on a mission to help young people find their feet and get the best possible start in life. They have lots of talks from different professionals on how to get into their line of work, work experience opportunities and talks on lots of different subjects.

Click here to see past and upcoming talks.

If joining a live talk please join 10 minutes before the broadcast starts and you can join without needing an account. It is completely free.

STEM careers virtual work experience

Insight into University

CCCU Health & Social Care Family Fun Activities

Tuesday 13th August 2024 10am-1pm or 1pm-3pm

Free activities and tour of our fantastic health facilities - open to everyone at Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury campus.

If you are looking for a free day out in the school holidays, come and join in the family-friendly activities in our state-of-the-art building where we train future health and social care professionals. We have simulated hospital wards, an operating theatre, nurses’ station, a flat to replicate care in the home and amazing manikins that mimic human bodily functions.

We are offering a unique and immersive experience blending fun, education, and hands-on activities for all ages. Perfect for anyone but especially if you have an aspiring future healthcare professional in the family!

Booking is essential. For more information and to book click here.

CCCU Explore Your Future (6th form only)

'Explore your Future' aims to connest students' course of interest to future career pathways through hands on workshops, Q&A and student opportunity networking. Students are free to move around campus following their own timetable and attend the sessions that interest them most, with the hope of sparking new ideas and helping them see their future through a journey to university. Upcoming dates:

Friday 25th October 2024 10am - 2pm

Wednesday 7th May 2025 10am - 2pm

Click here to book now! If you have any questions email sce@canterbury.ac.uk.

Theatre Opportunity

Our Graduate Theatre Company @portraittheatre would like to invite you to a script in hand performance of a new play, written and directed by our founder and Artistic Director Isabelle Defaut @isabelledefaut following by Q&A

Friday 5th July 2024 1-2pm

The Alpha Theatre, University of Kent, Library Road, Canterbury. CT2 7NZ

Click here to book your free tickets.

Generation FOMO explores the experiences of young people using smartphones, social media and the impact on their mental health.

This is a verbatim play created from interviews conducted by Isabelle with students from the University of Kent as well as primary and secondary school pupils about their relationships with their phones and social media and the impact this has on their day to day lives.

Isabelle has also included the voices of parents and teachers highlighting their concerns of navigating this ever-changing digital landscape.

Portrait Theatre is Kent’s leading verbatim theatre company and a Resident Theatre company at the University of Kent.

Isabelle’s work on this play not only offers much needed insight on this urgent and complex topic, but the interviews she has conducted will provide a valuable body of research surrounding the impact of social media on the mental health of the most vulnerable generations. We plan to tour this production to schools in the near future and your feedback during the Q&A session following the sharing would be gratefully received.

At Portrait Theatre we believe in the power of sharing stories to help create social change, working in collaboration with communities to shine a light on untold experiences.

UCA Summer Activities

Year 12 Taster Days on Campus (Canterbury) for those aged 16-17 years old

This July, we will be hosting several creative Taster Days for year 12 (and equivalent) students at our UCA Canterbury campus (CT1 3AN). Immerse yourself in the world of architecture, graphics, fashion & textiles, or photography with hands-on workshops led by experienced creative practitioners. Get a taste of what it's like to study a creative subject and unleash your artistic talents! Young people can find out more and apply using the links below:

All Taster Days will run from 10.00 – 16.00, with lunch provided for all participants.

Deadline for applications: midnight 4th July

Makers Summer School on Campus (Canterbury) for those in years 9, 10 & 11

We are pleased to share that this summer, we will once again be running our Makers Summer School for creative young people. This Summer School will introduce a range of creative mediums and techniques through workshops delivered by experienced creative practitioners. The workshops will be based around 3D art, printmaking, photography, fashion, and textiles. The Summer School will take place over 3 days.

Monday 29th July 2024
Tuesday 30th July 2024
Wednesday 31st July 2024

This is a non-residential Summer School and each day will run from 10.00 – 16.00. Lunch and art materials will be provided each day for all participants. Find out more and apply here.

Deadline for applications: midnight 4th July

To find out more about UKC's Summer Activities click here.

For more information or to ask any questions email outreach@uca.ac.uk.

A Better Friend, A Better Cheater or a Better Tutor? Generative AI and the Law

Don't miss the last Pioneers Lecture of the year!

Join Dr Jaspal Kaur Sadhu Singh, Senior Lecturer in Law and expert in AI Law as he shares his expertise in an innovative lecture: A better friend, a better cheater or a better tutor? Generative AI and the Law.

Ideal for post-16 students, this interactive session will explore how developments in generative AI interact interconnect with legal and ethical questions. Students will be encouraged to think critically about legal and ethical risks of the technology (and it's use in education) and why AI poses some unique challenges that are not seen with other technologies.

Does the information, and analysis produced by an algorithm appear more authoritative and convincing?

Date: Tuesday 18th June 2024
Time: 3pm - 4:15pm
Location: Online (MS Teams) or at Canterbury Campus (CCCU)

Click here to book.

St. Anselm's Careers Exhibition Fair

Last Wednesday saw the St. Anselm's Biennial Careers Fair take over the Sports Hall. We had over 50 employers, colleges and universities talking to students about future education, training and career paths. All the employers commented that the students of St. Anselm's were polite, well presented and asked good questions. Here is a sample of organisations that were represented at the Fair:

Deloitte Apprenticeship

Students can start their professional career with a global business and bypass university. On Deloittes Audit and Assurance programme, they'll get paid to learn and progress, gain real-world experience and make a unique impact from day one.

It’s a rewarding leap into the world of professional services that lets them earn while they learn. They can even gain degree-level and professional qualifications.

Deloitte have nationwide opportunities across their entire business.

Click here for more information.

National Careers Week

University of Kent Year 10 Summer School

Tuesday 30th July 2024 - Thursday 1st August 2024

The summer school provides the opportunity for students in Year 10 to consolidate their learning and experiences with higher education and the University of Kent, by participating in a residential programme designed to raise aspirations and encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to consider progression to higher education.

The Summer School is free for students to attend.

The residential programme will be based on the theme of ‘Breaking Barriers’ and will include academic sessions, in addition to sports activities, society taster sessions and a formal dinner and social evening.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Careers in Quantum Technologies

Join The STEM Hub for a special assembly on careers in quantum technologies.

In this free 30 minute assembly you can find out more about a variety of career opportunities available in quantum measurement and how exciting developments will affect your world.

You will hear from three researchers from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) part funded by the UK’s Quantum Technologies Programme, about their career journeys in quantum science, the fascinating research they’re undertaking, and the exciting applications of it, before having the opportunity to ask them questions via a Q&A.

We hope you can join us for this event.

To book your place please visit: https://thestemhub.org.uk/events/more-information/careers-in-quantum-technologies-measurement-by-npl

Time + Space Award

The National Trust has just launched the Time + Space Award, offering 16 - 25 year olds the chance of time, space, support and inspiration to unlock their ideas at Sir Isaac Newton’s home in Lincolnshire, where he discovered gravity and the famous apple tree still stands in the garden.

Each award will be up to the equivalent value of £5000, which will be a bespoke package of mentoring, time with experts and extra support and expenses to help winners realise their big idea. These experts include Professor David Olusoga, British space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, zoologist, wildlife TV presenter and science communicator Megan McCubbin and TV presenter, social & environmental activist Tayshan Hayden-Smith.

Closing date for applications is 30th April 2024.

Click here for more information.

UK Creative Arts Festival and Careers Fair

Insight into PwC and Professional Services

PwC are running their Virtual Insight Programme 29th-31st July 2024 providing opportunities to gain lots of valuable skills and explore careers interests and options with PwC. You can experience different business areas such as Auditing, Consulting, Tax, Technology and Operate as well as take part in a variety of skills session to build your personal and professional skills. Click here for more information.

Year 11 Taster Day 2024

Tuesday 23rd January 2024 saw Year 11 experience life as a 6th former for the day at St. Anselm's. Students came dressed as a 6th former with access to the 6th form block and all it's benefits. Some students experienced A Level Taster Lessons in subjects they were considering taking in 6th form either at St. Anselm's or elsewhere and had an assembly about life in St. Anselm's 6th form. Others had workshops with ASK Apprenticeships about the benefits of apprenticeships, where to look and how to apply. There were also workshops with out external Careers Adviser about how to complete applications on Kent Choices, with The Education People for those students needing more intensive support around planning their next step and an online workshop from Canterbury Christ Church University on Learning Effectively. In the afternoon a select group of students were taken to EKC Canterbury College to learn about the difference between studying at College compared to school and then had a tour of the facilities at College.

Speakers for Schools: National Boots Campaign

Click here for details of the National Boots Camp - going behind the scenes at Boots to learn about the world of healthcare, beauty and retail.

The Next Step Magazine

KCC Apprenticeship in Planning Opportunity

KCC Apprenticeship in Planning:

You'll be paid to work alongside experienced planners and learn from the best whilst gaining valuable experience and a degree apprenticeship without the University fees!

To find out more or apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/eUUukhME
Applications close 19th July 2024

UKC Succeed Programme

What is Clearing?

We are holding a Parents and Advisors Clearing Webinar on Thursday 25th July at 6.30pm to give some key information and answer any questions. Please do share this with colleagues and your parent/carer network. Click here to book a space.